June 26th 2016 – The Critique

“And when I was with you and didn’t have enough to live on, I did not become a financial burden to anyone. For the brothers who came from Macedonia brought me all that I needed. I have never been a burden to you, and I never will be.” (2 Corinthians 11:9)

Paul had a tough battle in Corinth. People were accusing him of being in it only for the money, when in reality, he was not asking for donations from Corinth. Instead, he was using the donations from another church. In the end, it all boiled down to some people in Corinth who didn’t like the way Paul did his ministry. It’s like the neighbor who complains of how your dog barks a few times when he is put out. All the while their dog stays out year around and never stops barking. We see this even today where some people are too concerned with someone else’s gifts to bother using their own.

What about in your life? Are you spending too much time evaluating how someone else is following Jesus or are you actively engaged in serving Jesus in your own life? You have the blessing of telling people your ‘God story’. You may look at giving as a hassle, yet it opens the windows of Heaven for a blessing, so dive in. You can invite people to church where they receive eternal life. Don’t make an excuse or get caught in what someone else may be doing. Invite and watch God work in YOUR life. Rather than stand on the side lines critiquing those who are in the game, jump in. The lost are waiting, let’s get moving.

“The real heart issue is not what someone else is doing with what they have been given, but what you are doing with what you have been given.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gifts You have given me. My abilities, finances and relationships are from You and I desire to use them for the Kingdom of God. Help me to not be distracted by other people but instead, to push forward for the Glory of Your Name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here